Module 1 small animal handling and Restraint Flashcards
when animals are in conflict they can react in which ways:
flight, fright, freeze or fidget
Animals have __________ where they allow other animals to enter before a certain response is elicited
space
Living space
defined as a comfortable space where animals can cohabitate comfortably together
personal space
defined as the space where, when you enter or another animal enters, the animal is alert or uncomfortable.
Flight or fight zone
defined as the defensive zone, the space that animals guard should you proceed into the space. The animal will warn and then be forced to fight or flee. They will let you know when you’ve entered this space with warnings in their body language and by growling. If this happens, you should back off.
list some tips for handling cats:
- Avoid direct eye contact.
- Lower your body and invite approach.
- Use a calm, happy voice.
- Move slowly and predictably—avoid sudden movements.
-Work in a quiet environment that the cat is familiar and comfortable with. Allow them to get comfortable in a new environment by allowing time for exploration.
-If possible, use treats and gentle cheek rubs. - The least stressed, the more tolerant the cat.
- Avoid vigorous stroking for most cats—it is overstimulating.
-Use towels and hide boxes to increase confidence and comfort.
-Start with minimal restraint required to get the procedure done.
-If the cat struggles, STOP, and try a different type of restraint.
-Teach restraint of various body parts using advance and retreat, and hold very briefly—paw, head, body, leg, etc. Release when the cat is calm and not struggling.
-Use distraction techniques while procedures are being done such as feeding treats.
-Desensitize and counter condition your patient to restraint and handling - Use minimal restraint when safe to do so. Do not risk the safety of yourself or fellow technologists.
identify some tips for handling dogs
- Avoid direct eye contact—if you must keep an eye on the dog, lower your chin and/or eyelids—no direct stares.
- Use a leash as a boundary setter but, if at all possible, allow the dog to approach you instead of you approaching the dog.
- Lower your body and angle it sideways to encourage approach.
- Avoid leaning or looming over the dog—especially head and shoulders.
- Use a calm, quiet, voice—don’t beg, scold, nag, or say “It’s OK.”
- Don’t corner the dog with walls, furniture, or people.
- Do not use tentative or nervous touching or patting.
- Slow down your approach when dealing with nervous dogs.
- Allow a perceived escape route—one limb free, and a direct sight line to the door.
- If possible, food, belly rubs, ear rubs, and bum scratches are enjoyed by most dogs—if the dog moves away from your touch, they don’t want it
- Start with minimal restraint required to get the procedure done.
- If the patient is struggling, STOP, and try a different restraint technique.
- Use distraction techniques such as treats, toys, etc.
- Desensitize (exposing the animal to stimulus at low intensity) and counter condition (this conditions a wanted response to a stimulus by association of positive reinforcement with the stimulus) your patient to restraint and handling.
______ are injuries are number one for workers compensation
back
place the muzzle ______ on the nose not to create breathing problems
high
basket muzzles
Basket muzzles are designed so the dog can pant, drink, and eat treats
nylon muzzles
Nylon muzzles are designed for short procedures in the hospital, no longer than 15 minutes. The dog is unable to pant. They are comfortable and easy to put on, and you can throw them in the wash after each use.
E collar
e Elizabethan collar is shaped like a cone. The purpose of these collars is to prevent the animal from chewing or licking at their wound. It essentially blocks them from having access to the wound with their mouths.
Dogs should be desensitized and counter conditioned to the muzzle, and muzzles should be applied prior to the animal becoming scared and aggressive.
True
